Australians want transport options that are better for our hip pockets and climate.
The transport sector is Australia’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more, transport emissions are still growing – unlike other sources like electricity which are on a downward trend.
There are several important steps to decarbonising Australia’s transport system. Getting more electric vehicles (EVs) onto our roads is an important part of the puzzle, while encouraging more uptake of clean public transport, walking and bike-riding will also play a big role. These important solutions should be front and centre in the conversation about how we move around in a net-zero future, but there’s often a perception that Australians won’t embrace them.
The Climate Council’s latest national poll shows this couldn’t be further from the truth. Australians are excited about the prospect of clean, renewable-powered electric buses and want streets that are safe and pleasant to walk around in. Governments have an opportunity to harness this enthusiasm – alongside the switch to EVs – to ensure we drive down transport costs for households and Australia’s emissions at the same time.
Key findings:
Australians want more public transport and infrastructure for walking and bike-riding
- The vast majority (80%) of Australians surveyed believe governments should invest more in public transport.
- More than two-thirds (67%) of Australians surveyed think governments should invest more in footpaths and bike lanes.
- 7 in 10 (70%) Australians agree we should electrify our public bus fleets as quickly as possible, manufacture them here, and power them with our sun and wind.
- Latest figures show all Australian state governments currently allocate less than 2% of their transport budgets to footpaths and bike lanes. In every state surveyed – QLD, NSW, VIC and SA – a majority (60%) of poll respondents believe this is not enough.
- When it comes to walking and/or riding a bike to get around, people would most like to see governments invest in building more dedicated bike lanes separated from car traffic (52%) and establishing more connected networks of footpaths and bike lanes (47%).
Why do Australians want more public transport and infrastructure for walking and bike-riding?
The top three reasons for state and territories to invest in public transport are:
- To ensure everyone can get around in an easy and affordable way (83%)
- Creating more jobs in the public transport sector (79%)
- Enhancing mobility for people who can’t or don’t drive (88% agreed)
The top three reasons for state and territories to build new bike lanes and footpaths are:
- Improve walking and bike-riding options (84% agreed)
- Helping people get around their community in a safe and affordable way (82%).
- Enhancing mobility for people who can’t or don’t drive (82%)
The top three reasons for state and territories to invest in renewable-powered electric buses:
- Improve air quality (81% agreed)
- Reducing dependence on foreign oil (80%)
- Reduce Australia’s use of fossil fuels (78%)
Download the report for state-specific key findings on page 2, and state-specific report sections
The Climate Council is calling for states and territories to:
1. Allocate at least half (50%) of their transport budgets to public transport and 20% to initiatives that boost walking and bike-riding in line with best practice and the community’s needs.
2. Encourage private electric bike uptake through discounts at point of sale and government-funded try-before-you-buy programs.
3. Convert state and territory bus fleets to clean, quiet and zero-emission buses.
Survey Information
The People and Transport National Poll 2022 was undertaken by YouGov, commissioned by the Climate Council, surveyed 2,163 people (between 31st May-8th June 2022).
Survey was based in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA, between the ages of 18 to over 65.
● The survey asked respondents:
- Their top reasons for investment in active transport (walking and bike-riding) and public transport
- Preferred funding levels for active transport, public transport and roads
- Their level of support for states to transition to a zero emissions bus fleet
- Their level of support for states to provide free electric bike trials.
- How often they use public and active transport
- Improvements that would motivate them to use public and active transport, and spending priorities
Methodology
The Climate Council commissioned YouGov to run a national survey on public transport, which was in the field between May 31 and June 8, 2022. The survey was conducted via an online survey with a total sample size of 2163 adults. The figures have been weighted and therefore are representative of all Australian citizens (aged 18+) with a minimum of 500 people taking part in Queensland and in South Australia.
